WHITE RIVER JUNCTION ó The Vermont-based National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in White River Junction has a new executive director.

The center said that Dr. Matthew Friedman, who had served as executive director since the centerís creation in 1989, has retired.

Paula Schnurr will serve as acting executive director while a nationwide search is conducted for a permanent replacement. Jessica Hamblen will serve as acting deputy executive director.

The National Center for PTSD, based in White River Junction, focuses on research and education on the prevention, understanding and treatment of PTSD.